Benchmark Role Profile for Senior Research Fellow
Version 2.0
Last amended: March 2015
THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Role Profile Form
Job Title:
Senior Research Fellow
School/Department:
Salary:
Job Family and Level:
Research and Teaching Level 5
Contract Status:
Hours of Work:
Location:
Reporting to:
Purpose of the Role:
The purpose of this role will be to lead and deliver individual and collaborative research in the
area of XXXX, and make a contribution to the direction of research programmes in the School
of XXXXXX
The role will be responsible for generating new intellectual understanding/knowledge through
the application of knowledge and for developing ideas for application of research outcomes.
The post holder will sustain and pursue a research plan in XXXXX, and will develop new
concepts and ideas. Where appropriate, they will develop and win support for innovative
research development proposals and funding bids.
Main Responsibilities
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To take the lead on, plan, develop and conduct individual and/or collaborative research
objectives, projects and proposals either as an individual or as part of a broader
programme.
To acquire, analyse, interpret and evaluate research findings/data using approaches,
techniques, models and methods selected or developed for the purpose.
To establish a national reputation and regularly disseminate and explain research
findings through leading peer-reviewed national publications (on a sustained basis),
conferences and other appropriate media.
To generate income by developing and winning support for innovative research
proposals and funding bids.
To manage the application of a range of methodologies, approaches and techniques
appropriate to the type of research personally being pursued. Where appropriate
investigate and devise research methods and approaches.
To communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and
understanding as well as to peers, using high level skills and a range of media.
To build relationships and collaborate actively with internal and external contacts,
nationally and if appropriate internationally to complete research projects and to
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advance the discipline.
Be responsible for managing and/or monitoring assets and budgets allocated and the
use of research resources to ensure that effective use is made of them.
Be responsible for resolving problems to meet research objectives and deadlines.
Be responsible for the safe conduct of work within work area ensuring that the School's
arrangements for compliance with the University Safety Policy are implemented.
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications/
Education
PhD or equivalent in relevant subject
area
Membership of a professional
body where appropriate.
Skills/Training
Excellent oral and written
communication skills, including the
ability to communicate with clarity on
complex and conceptual ideas to
those with limited knowledge and
understanding as well as to peers,
using high level skills and a range of
media.
Emerging skills in managing and
motivating staff.
Sufficient breadth or depth of
specialist knowledge in the discipline
to develop research programmes and
methodologies.
Ability to devise, advise on and
manage research programmes.
Ability to manage resources and an
understanding of management
processes.
High level analytical capability to
facilitate conceptual thinking,
innovation and creativity.
Ability to build relationships and
collaborate with others, internally and
externally.
Experience
Experience of developing research
methodologies and devising models,
approaches, techniques, critiques and
methods.
Extensive research experience within
subject specialism.
Experience and achievement in
chosen field, reflected in growing and
consistent national reputation.
A consistent track record of published
research in peer reviewed journals.
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A growing international
reputation in their field.
Experience, achievement and
growing reputation in the
discipline, reflected in relevant
national committee
memberships, and/or
involvement in national research
events.
Track record in gaining support
for significant externally funded
research and consultancy
projects e.g. with industry,
commerce, public bodies.
Extensive experience and
demonstrated success in delivering
research results.
Experience of supervising junior
colleagues.
Statutory/Legal
Decision Making
i)
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Taken independently by the role holder;
Planning general research programme and direction
Making individual decisions about design and conduct of particular experiments
Devising applications for new research funding
ii) Taken in collaboration with others;
 Collaborative research applications
iii) Referred to the appropriate line manager by the role holder;
 Any items implying changes in School policy.
Additional Information
The University of Nottingham strongly endorses Athena SWAN principles,
with commitment from all levels of the organisation in furthering women’s
careers. It is our mission to ensure equal opportunity, best working
practices and fair policies for all.
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